Sermon 012697

Pr. 16:1-9                             We Make Plans But the Lord is in Control                          1/26/97

                                                                                                                             ABCC

I.   Introduction                                                                                                                       556

It is quite natural for people to make plans in life - whether short term & immediate (shopping for groceries & cooking) or long term (completing your education, starting family, etc.).  Some plans are never revealed until it’s time to implement them, other plans we seek out abundant counsel regarding them & pray about them openly.  Some plans we do not want to change because we are so convinced that we are right & no one else understands!  I wonder what kind of plans are in your mind right now!

II.  The Truth About Our Plans

     A. God created humanity with the freedom to make plans (Gen. 3) - Adam & Eve planning

     B. Our plans are a result of the content of our hearts (v. 1a)

·        convictions & even secret motives affect our plans

     C. Everyone feels that their plans can be justified (v. 2a) - 1Co. 4:4

     D. The Lord reveals the true motives behind our plans & actions (v. 2b) - Heb. 4:12

     E. The Lord can overrule our plans & actions (v. 1b) - He’s God, the Omnipotent One!

Þ     Plans involve human responsibility & Divine Sovereignty!

III. Remedy For Wrong Plans

     A. Resolve to obey God in your actions (v. 3) = no compromise, no rebellion [Jas. 4:17]

     B. Remind yourself regularly that the Lord is Creator & King(v. 4) -He owns everything/everyone

·        In quiet time @ home; plaques & posters & signs @ work; use tapes, etc.

     C. Remind yourself that the Lord will punish wickedness & wicked people (v. 5)

·        No one gets away with sin; God has no pets, favorites regarding sin (Gal 6:7; 2Co. 10:5)

We Make Plans But the Lord is in Control, pg. 2

     D. Remind yourself of the great sacrifice of Christ for your sins (v. 6) = Jn. 15:13-14

·        Love for Christ & the fear of the Lord will keep our plans & actions pure!

     E. Remind yourself that the Lord is your defense & vindicator (v. 7)

     F. Remind yourself to be content with what the Lord has given you (v. 8) - 1Tim 6:6

When it’s all said & done, you cannot blame anyone else for your plans & actions; nor can you give anyone else credit for your plans.  YOUR mind lays down strategies & plans according to the content of YOUR heart my brother, sister or friend.  Is your heart filled with love for Christ?  Is your heart filled with thanksgiving to Christ for redemption, protection, provisions, etc.?  Are you content in life?  Is your soul satisfied with Christ?  Is He your comfort when you misunderstood, overlooked, slandered, persecuted, lonely?  Are you at peace when the Lord interrupts your plans?  Can you say that Philippians 4:6-7 is a reality at times of disappointment?  We all have plans whether we’ve discussed them with anyone or not.  Some of you children & teens are planning to live a long life & be prosperous, have fun in your young years & remember the Lord when you’re older (Ecc. 12:1-7).  Some of us adults have definite plans that we are pursuing that have not been committed to the Lord and rude awakening awaits you, a shock awaits you when God reveals your motives & stops your plan!  What are plans for today?  This sermon can be summarized with this sentence:  REMEMBER THE LORD IN ALL YOUR PLANS!